At a glance
Information about Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and what to do if you think your child has ALN.
What are Additional Learning Needs (ALN)?
Additional Learning Needs (ALN) is a legal term. It describes the needs of a child who has a difficulty or disability which makes learning harder for them than for other children their age. Around one in five children has ALN at some point during their school life and some children have ALN right through their time in school. ALN covers a broad spectrum of difficulties or disabilities. Children may have wide-ranging or specific problems (e.g. a child might have difficulty with one area of learning, such as letters or numbers or they might have problems relating to other children, or to adults). Having English as a second language is not considered by law to be a ALN.
What if I think my child has ALN?
In the first instance, talk to the class teacher. You can also ask also to speak to our Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCo) Miss Rowlands who organises extra help for children with ALN.
You will need to discuss with the class teacher/ALNCo:
Your child's teacher and the ALNCo will use the SEN Code of Practice to work out whether your child has ALN and is in need of additional support.
What will the school do?
Schools are required by law to provide an education for all pupils, regardless of their ability or special needs; every child's education is equally important. If the ALNCo and your child's teacher agree that your child has ALN, we will probably offer your child extra support, with the possibility of more support if needed. Whatever the school decides to do, you have the right to be informed and for your views and your child's views, to be taken into account.